Author's Note: Hey everyone, I'm ecstatic to get all the follows, favorites, and reviews from the last couple of chapters. It's amazing hearing from people their feelings and opinions about both the story and my writing. Please keep them coming and please keep reading. You guys are awesome.

A side note for you guys, the next couple you will get to see the development of other characters and their relationships. One of the many things about Naruto Shippuden that I hated was that they forgot about the other characters outside of the main ones and didn't take the time to develop them. It seemed they were more present in the openings and closings than they were really in the anime. Especially when it came to some of the characters and couples that are canon within both Shippuden and Boruto. So, going forward, you will see chapters where other characters will be the main subject and how I plan to develop them. I hope you enjoy some of these chapters and if you want to skip some of the chapters, you are free to do so. None of them, at least right now, are important enough that you will miss any important info. These will be more like bonus chapters. Either way, I hope you guys enjoy the new few upcoming chapters.

Another side note for people to remember. People from the Rookie 9 are only speculating that Naruto and Sasuke at least like each other but don't know that they are mated. So, keep that in mind when people are talking about them, they know that they like each other but don't know that they are mated.

Reviewers' Shout Outs: Tauries4597, The Unapologetic, and Mirgeorgia.

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Chapter 30: Acceptance After Grief

Hinata's P.O.V.

"Here you go, Hinata. One small bouquet of White Lilies," Ino smiles as he places the bouquet on the counter.

I nod while handing her some money. She takes it and puts it into her register. I patiently wait for my change. Once she hands it to me, I gently pick up the flowers and smell them.

"So," she starts as she leans over the table with her arms crossing under her chest. "Who are the flowers for?"

I feel heat spread through my cheeks. I hug the flowers close to my chest in nervousness. My gray ears twitch slightly.

"I'm going to give them to Naruto to give to Sasuke,"

"That's sweet," she says as she shifts to rest her head on her right palm. "Poor Sasuke-kun. I wonder how he's holding up? He's been in there for a month now, right?"

"Yeah, I think so. It's hard to believe that Sasuke Uchiha is back in the village. It's also sad to know he has to sit in a prison cell for three years before he can even be considered for probation," I say.

"I wonder who all knows about him being back?"

I think about her answer for a few seconds before replying, "I think just the ANBU, Jonin, some Chunin, and us Rookie 9. I think it's better that way. Who knows what will happen if the whole village finds out,"

Ino shakes her head, "I don't even wanna think about it," Silence falls between us. I shift my weight nervously before she speaks again, "Do you think we'll ever know the truth about Sasuke?"

"Ino, I don't think that's any of our business,"

"I know, but wouldn't it be interesting? I mean, Sasuke-kun was a missing nin who joined the Akatsuki. Anybody else would have been executed on the spot. I wonder what Lady Tsunade hasn't done so yet?"

"You know Naruto-kun would never let that happen. After all, they were best friends and he went to great lengths to bring him back. I don't think that he would do that if he knew Lady Tsunade would execute him,"

"Yeah, you're right. Naruto is one amazing guy and so handsome too. Who knew lame-o Naruto Uzumaki would turn out to be a stud, am I right?" she winks at me.

My blush returns but I don't say anything.

"So, you gonna finally ask him out?"

"I-Ino?!"

"What? Come on Hinata, we all know you've liked Naruto since we were like seven years old. Dontchya think it's time to finally confess. Who knows, he might say it back,"

I lower my gaze towards the flowers. Subconsciously play with one of the white petals.

"I don't think it'll turn out that way,"

"I don't know, Hinata. I usually have a pretty good sense about these things. I know he can be dense, but I bet if you confess he might find he likes you too,"

I chuckle slightly before giving her a sad, soft smile. "I think you might be wrong this time, Ino-chan. I think Naruto-kun already likes someone,"

"Really? Who?"

"It's…. not my place to say,"

"Party pooper," she sighs before straightening up with her hands on her hips. "Too bad. I think you two would have looked cute together. Well, whoever Naruto ends up with will be one lucky person. I would give anything to have someone look at me the way you look at him,"

"What about Sasuke-kun? I know you used to like him back in our academy days. Are you gonna confess to him at all?"

"No, I've gotten over that little crush years ago. It was more of a childish crush than anything. And truth be told, after he left, I realized that I only liked him for his looks. He was a jerk to everyone, except Naruto and maybe Sakura. Plus, I think I only really started to like him because Sakura did. We were rivals after all, so we competed for everything. Now that we're friends, that childish part of me is over. I can't say the same for Sakura though," she sighs.

"She was assigned to care for Sasuke-kun while he's in prison, right? I wonder how she's holding up?" I ask.

"I talked to her about it yesterday. She's still very much in love with him, but it doesn't sound like he's returning her feelings,"

"What do you mean?"

"I guess he's not even talking. Even when Naruto visits, he doesn't say a word. Sakura says that whenever they're alone, she is the only one who talks. She says she is hoping it will eventually get him comfortable around her and soon they'll start talking. I told her that I think she should give up on him,"

"What did she say?"

Ino sighs again while using her fingers to play in her long platinum blond hair.

"She thinks I'm jealous of their relationship. Even after I told her that I don't like him, she still thinks I'm jealous and thinks I just want to tear them apart. We haven't spoken since,"

"I'm sorry to hear that. Are you alright?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. This isn't the first time we've had this fight about Sasuke. I just wish she'd see that he might not feel the same way about her. I just don't want her to be hurt again. She was so devastated when he left the village. I tried to help her, but it seems all she wants to do it just get stronger so that he will notice her growth. I just wish she would move on and find someone who will love her and show her there are other people besides Sasuke. There's nothing worse that unrequired love,"

"I know what you mean," I say sadly.

I look up to see a mischievous glint in her eyes as she leans closer to me.

"But, I bet Kiba wouldn't mind a love confession,"

"W-what?!" I gasp with bright cheeks and a stutter in my voice.

"Don't think I don't notice how he looks at you when your back is turned. You may be looking at Naruto's back, but Kiba is looking at yours. He is one of Naruto's best friends. They even act a like. I know that you can't substitute Naruto, but maybe you can find the same qualities in Dog Boy, no?" she giggles.

I start to stutter while backing away slowly, almost tripping over myself.

"I really need to go, Ino-chan. See you later," and with that, I leave her shop quickly.

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I make my way towards Naruto's apartment. Three weeks ago, Lady Tsunade released him back to his apartment and even cleared him to go on missions again. Since his release, Naruto has visited Sasuke every day. Sometimes, he and I walked together if I was heading that way. We have been spending a little more time together, but it doesn't change our relationship. He and I are friends and I am ok with that. I may have feelings for Naruto, but if I can be his friend, then that's ok with me.

I continue to walk towards the apartment complexes as my mind wanders to Kiba. He is one of the nicest persons I have met. Just like Naruto, his smile is contagious, and he always knows how to cheer me up. Besides Neji, he is the only other person I have ever told about my crush on Naruto. I may not know the nature of their relationship, but ever since I discovered that Naruto and Sasuke might have feelings for each other, Kiba's been there to help me through it. He has truly been a great support while I try to heal over Naruto. I think back to what Ino said about him and it makes me wonder,

"Can Ino be right? Does Kiba like me in that way?"

"Hinata?"

I look up to see Naruto standing in front of his door with his key in his hand. I look around to see that I made it to his apartment without realizing it. I swallow a lump in my throat as he walks towards me. I can feel my face heat up as I lower my gaze.

"Oh, h-hello, Naruto-kun. How are you?" I stutter.

"I'm good. Just on my way to see Sasuke. What are you doing here?"

"Oh. I came to walk with you. I hope you don't mind?"

His lips curve into a smile, showing one of his sharp fangs. "Of course, I don't mind. You almost always walk with me anyway. Come on,"

We walk down his stairs and through the village without a word. After a while, the silence becomes too unbearable for me, so I decide to start a conversation.

"How is Sasuke-kun doing? Is he feeling any better?"

Naruto sighs as he laced his fingers behind his head, his many tails draggin behind him.

"No. He's still just as silent as ever. But, don't worry, I'll get him talking soon enough. That teme is gonna be talking soon enough," he smirks.

"Sasuke-kun has always been reserved. Was he very talkative around you before he left?"

"A little. He had his moments where he and I would talk for hours. And there were sometimes where we would sit in complete silence. Any time I got to spend with him was fine with me. Just like now, the fact he's still alive and I can see him every day is amazing to me. It's great having him home,"

I can feel the last little bit of my heart breaking. Listening to him talk about Sasuke only confirms my speculations.

"Naruto could never love me. But, he probably does love Sasuke. I just hope he's happy,"

"You're a really good friend, Naruto-kun. I don't think anyone would ever go to the lengths you have for Sasuke-kun. He's lucky to have you," I smile softly.

He stops to look at me. Both of us stop to stare at each other for a few moments. His lips forms into a gentle smile before he nods, and we continue our walk.

"Thank you, Hinata,"

We walk in silence for a few more moments, but it is not awkward. There is a comfortable silence between us, giving me time to focus on my heart beat.

It's steady and quiet. Yes, I can feel my heart breaking slightly, but it's not as bad as it used to be. The thought of being silently rejected used to have me running home to cry in my room. But this time, it doesn't feel as bad. Maybe it's because I accepted a long time ago that Naruto doesn't feel the same about me as I do him. But having Kiba by my side has made things easier. Maybe that's why I can listen to Naruto without wanted to break down and cry.

"We're here," he calls out.

I look up to see that we reached the prison while I was lost in my thoughts again. He turns towards me with a soft smile.

"Well, I guess this is it,"

I nod before I look down at the flowers. I push the bouquet towards him with a small smile of my own.

"I bought these for Sasuke-kun to enjoy. I think I remember you telling me that he likes these, right?"

The shock on his face remains as he takes them with shaky hands.

"Um, yeah,"

"Tell him, I hope he keeps his faith and remain strong,"

He smiles brightly before he hugs me. I jolt in surprise as my face heats up and his body crushes mine.

"Thank you, Hinata-chan. This means a lot to us both. Thank you being a great friend,"

His warm breath against my neck makes me shiver, but I try to shove it down as I bring my arms up to return the hug. We stay like this for a little while before he pulls away from me. I stare into his shining azure eyes that are filled with love, happiness, and hope. I know that he'll never look at me with the love he has for Sasuke, but this look is just as good.

I nod a final time before watching him disappear through the doors of the prison. My right hand comes up to rub my left arm. The small feeling of heart break spreads through my chest. I manage to push it down as I turn away to walk through the village.

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I don't know how long I walk for, but I know it's been a while. I finally stop and look to my right. Ichiraku's is standing proud as always. I don't feel hungry, but I know I need to eat something.

"It's been a while since I've had ramen. I guess I could try to eat that,"

I enter the restaurant and smile at the older male and his daughter. I sit down and order a bowl. I lean on my folded arms while I wait while they prepare my food. A few moments later, I hear someone enter through the door. I turn around to see Iruka-sensei. He smiles as he walks towards me.

"Anyone sitting here?" he asks.

"Oh no. Please, feel free to sit there if you like,"

He nods as he sits down. He orders his bowl and we sit in silence for a little while.

"How have you been, Hinata?"

I jump when he speaks but quickly calm down.

"I've been fine. How about you? How are the new students?"

He chuckles. "They're good; definitely different from your class. But, I guess different can be good,"

"You are a great teacher. I'm sure they will be fine,"

He nods while leaning forward. "So, I've heard that you've been hanging out with Naruto latterly. How's that going?"

I hesitate before answering, looking away to distract myself. "It's going well. He and I are becoming great friends. Just like I've always wanted…" I trail off.

"That sounds fine, but how about your feelings towards him?" I turn back towards him with red cheeks and embarrassment on my face. "Don't worry, I've known for a long time,"

I turn away to rest back on my arms. "I think everyone, but he knows too,"

"I see you haven't confessed yet than?" I shake my head. "Are you planning on doing so?"

I shake my head again. "He won't return my feelings. I would rather be his friend than nothing at all,"

Curiosity plays on his face, "What makes you think he won't return it?"

"Because I know who he really loves. It's who he's been with every day since he's been out of the hospital,"

I can see a concerned look pass over his tan features. "How long have you known?"

"Since the Chunin Exams almost four years ago. When we were in the Forrest of Death, I was on a lone scout meeting when I saw them kissing in private. I felt embarrassed for intruding on their privacy, but heartbroken because I knew I lost my chance with him,"

"I can see you're still not over him though. How are you coping?"

"A lot better than before. It doesn't hurt as bad anymore. This morning, he hugged and thanked me for being a great friend. I just only hope I can live up to it. And besides, if he is happy, I can't complain," He stayed silent for a long time, so I continued. "I don't think I'll ever truly get over him, but I know I'll get better with time. I read somewhere that you never truly get over your first love or any one you've loved deeply. But, I guess I'm proof that it can get easier. I have great support from my team,'

"Oh? That's amazing. Are you thinking of moving on or…?"

I give his opened question some thought before finally answering. I don't think I'll date anyone right now, but that doesn't mean I won't be open to seeing what's out there. I think I've been stuck on Naruto-kun for a while now. Now that I have accepted our friendship for what it is, moving on will be a little easier,"

A small smile graces his full lips as he puts a comforting hand on my shoulder.

"That's very mature, Hinata. I'm happy for you. And if you need to talk, my door is always opened too,"

I return his smile. Our attention is brought to the bowls placed in front of us. We say our thanks before eating together in a comfortable silence.

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After finishing our food, Iruka-sensei paid for our meals. He gave me a hug before we parted ways.

I make my way home with a smile on my face and today's events on my mind. Just as I reach my compound's gate, I urn to see Kiba jogging up to me with Akamaru at his side.

"Hey Hinata!"

"Kiba-kun? What are you doing here?"

He leans over, panting with his hands on his legs. After a few moments, he straightens up with a light blush on tanned, tattooed cheeks.

"I came to see if you wanted to get something to eat with me. It's been a while since we've hung out and thought you might wanna go to dinner with me sometimes?"

I smile at his shyness. This is the first time I've seen him be his shy around me before.

"Maybe Ino was right about him?"

"I'm sorry, Kiba-kun, but I just finished eating,"

"Oh. That's ok than. Maybe next time,"

The dejected look on his face made something in my chest tighten. Not wanting to reject him, I continue. "But, I could go for a treat,"

"Like what?"

I think about what's nearby before answering. "Something sweet sounds nice,"

"Ice cream, maybe?"

"Ice cream sounds great," I reach for his hand and pull him with me towards the nearest ice cream place. "Come on,"

I look back to see his cheeks heating up with a familiar embarrassment and nervousness. However, a large smile spreads on my face as I feel his hand tighten around mine.

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We got the ice cream and sat on a nearby bench. We talked, laughed, told stories and just enjoyed each other's company for what seemed like hours. When we were finished, he offered to walk me home since he had to walk Akamaru anyway.

Now, we're currently walking back to my clam's compound in an awkward silence. I try to strike up conversations, but I can tell he is nervous and feeling kind of awkward around me.

"Kind of like how I used to be around Naruto. I wonder,"

Deciding to give up on conversation, we walk in silence until we reach the gate. I turn towards him with a bright smile and my hands behind my back.

"Thank you for walking me home, Kiba-kun,"

"What?" he says, clearly lost in thought. He looks around before shyly looking back at me. "Oh, um… sure. No problem… anytime,"

I wait a few moments to see if he had anything else to say. I can tell that he wants to say more than he's leading on. Nudging the conversation along, I turn away and pretend to go to the gate.

"Hinata, wait!" I slowly turn towards him, giving my full attention. He looks everywhere but at me while scratching the back of his head with a thick blush on his cheeks. I look down to see his tail swishing uncontrollably and his ears laying flat against his head. He grips his tail to stop it while trying not to look at me. Taking advantage of this moment, I take a step closer to him with my arms behind my back.

"Is there something you want to ask me, Kiba-kun?"

He stutters again, not forming coherent words. I know it's wrong of me to tease him that way, but it's kind of nice having someone act this way around me for a change. Deciding he's had enough teasing, I place a comforting hand in his and continue to smile at him.

"It's alright. You don't have to be nervous around me. You can tell me what's on your mind,"

I watch him swallow a lump in his throat before finally clearing his throat and speaking.

"I was wondering if we could have that dinner sometimes this week? Maybe this weekend or any day you're not busy,"

I don't know what comes over me, but a large smile graces my lips as a warming sense spreads in my chest. I lean upwards to stand on my toes to kiss his cheek.

"I would love to,"

I leave him at my gate with a tomato red cheeks and shock on his face. After the gate closes, I lean against it to listen for him leaving. A few moments pass, and I start to worry until a loud cheer/ howl pierces the silent air around us. With a final giggle, I walk away with this weekend's dinner plans on my mind and a howling alpha male at the gate.

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To Be Continued